Peter King: Rams GM Les Snead details how trade with Washington went down
March 23, 2012Devil’s in the Details with Forbes’ Value Report
March 23, 2012
I know Trent Richardson doesn’t need help from a lot of you who are already sold on the running back from Alabama, but I know many aren’t sold. For some, there are unwritten rules about taking running backs that high in the draft. I’ve even heard some people try to compare Richardson to Adrian Peterson of the Vikings, saying that Richardson isn’t even close to Peterson’s pedigree. Peterson was the 7th player selected and to many, that invalidates potentially using the #4 pick in the draft on Richardson. I’ll admit that I was skeptical too after seeing him in both games against LSU even though I know that is the height of superficial and anecdotal “research.” Over the last week I’ve changed my mind.
Obviously it is slightly disconcerting that Trent Richardson missed both the combine and the Alabama pro day with what he and his agent describe as minor knee surgery. It was thought that Richardson would be ready for his pro day on March 6th, but as it turned out he was only “close to” ready. While it is unfortunate to not get the measurables on Richardson like 40 time, the reason I’ve come around on him has nothing to do with workout warriors’ pride. While Richardson is a beast in the gym, I’m now sold on him because of his football acumen.
Richardson is a dangerous runner, but he is also a workhorse. You can look at a lot of game film on any player – and I’ve looked at tons on Richardson now – but one game in particular sticks out to me. Alabama beat Penn State 27-11 that day. Richardson had 26 carries for 111 yards with a 22 yard long and two touchdowns. He also caught the ball four times for 19 yards. Not the gaudiest stat line in the world, but it doesn’t tell the tale.
If you watch the game film, Richardson rarely faced seven defenders in the box. It was almost always eight and sometimes a safety or corner would sneak up to make it nine. Richardson was a work horse with punishing runs, bouncing off defenders and eeking out yards while occasionally breaking medium-length runs. In the passing game he was getting chips on pass rushers before leaking out to provide the relief target his QB needed. His catching always looks good with pretty soft hands.
The most impressive thing to see in that game was Richardson’s ability to pass block. He didn’t look like a college player in those situations. Now, I know you don’t justify drafting a running back high in the first round because he can block in the passing game, but it is still one heck of a kicker to throw on the scale. When they call a guy a three-down back, they’re talking about Richardson.
Obviously Richardson isn’t a savior. He can’t just walk onto the Browns and fix their offense. If the Browns select Richardson it is imperative that they still find a solution for the right side of the offensive line and a very good prospect at receiver as well. That being said, I honestly feel that the Browns could call Trent Richardson’s name on draft day with as much or more confidence as they could Justin Blackmon, Morris Claiborne and maybe even Matt Kalil.
90 Comments
Richardson would be a huge waste of a pick at #4. A running back doesn’t fix our O line, it doesn’t give us a great secondary for the next decade, and it doesn’t give us a deep threat or at worst, a legit starting WR. It gives us a guy who ran for 5.9 yards a carry in college. His backup (Eddie Lacy) ran for 7.1 yards a carry. We can use all the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th round picks on tackles and guards we want but Richardson will run for 3 yards a carry for the next couple years until the line problem is solved and we get a passing game that stops teams from stuffing the box. I’m sure we can find a guy that can run for 3 yards a carry and block on third down that didn’t just come off a knee surgery without using a top 5 pick on it.
I can say that personally, I just don’t see what the fuss is about with Richardson versus the other top RBs in the draft. They all seem about the same to me… the only difference, and again this is purely opinion, is that Richardson played for a much better team with an insanely good offensive line. I should also say that I’m of the opinion that offensive line matters way more than the running back when it comes to success in rushing the football in the NFL. Most RBs in the NFL can break tackles and make people miss, but none of them can be effective unless the O-line makes a hole for them to run through (or seals the edge to run around).
You and I are of the exact same opinion. I think that in the NFL, the offensive line is what makes the running back successful. Mike Shannahan showed us that with his Broncos teams of the late 90s and early 00s. Houston showed us that last year. San Diego has done it for years (I mean, Mike Tolbert is a stud behind that line). There are transcendant RBs who probably would have been successful even behind a bad line (Jim Brown, Sweetness, Barry Sanders, Tomlinson, maybe Peterson), but I’m far from convinced that Trent Richardson is the next one on that list.
yeah, but injuring his other knee is directly correlated to his original injury. overcompensation’s a beyatch.
PASS.
I’d be good with 2 out of 3.
we NEEDED a FA WR.
just such a big learning curve for these young receivers in today’s league. I am not saying it takes “3 years” but it’s pretty darn hard – even for a top-10 guy like Blackmon – to step on the field and make a huge impact.
I would be just as happy with a WR/WR’s later in the draft.
They also seem sold on the young guards Lauvao and Pinkston. Both got better as the year went on, especially with a division logjam at the end. WR and RT are the biggest priorities now. FS and depth are pressing needs too.
if you’re gonna dream, might as well go big, no?
Definitely. You have to defer to the guys who do this professionally. If Heckert sees Floyd, Wright, Hill, etc., as equally good as Blackmon, then you wait. I think he’s clearly better, but that’s just me.
Kalil is probably the best non-QB prospect in this draft and would make our line amazing. My concern is that we could be paying JT and Kalil $20M+ combined in about 4 years. That’s an awful lot to sink just on your offensive tackles. The same could be true for Claiborne and Haden. Personally, I would rather ransom the pick for Kalil if Blackmon’s gone, because someone’s always looking for a cornerstone left tackle. However, if I had no choice, I’d take Kalil before Richardson. If anything, he offers far greater trade value down the line.
agreed, but I would still take Blackmon on a team friendly deal for 4-5 yrs + RFA after that more than over-paying a vet. WR for 4yrs (Garcon & L.Robinson in particular got crazy deals. silly)
best case scenario: he is Adrian Peterson.
and even in that scenario you have a guy that peaked in season 2 (which i presume will be a year when the browns have a new QB taking over) and is an elite back for about 7 seasons (which is nice, but not the same as getting 12 great years out of a premier player at any other position).
worst case scenario (aside from immediate injury): Cadillac Williams.
a good rookie year and slowly tappers off and is off the team in 5 seasons.
If we draft RB (which is ridiculous, because they should have just resigned Hillis), get the guy from Virginia Tech.
The advantages to picking Richardson 4th;
1) He would be fun to watch for the next 4-5 years.
2) He would instantly become most of the offense and save many jobs in Berea.
The drawbacks;
1) RB’s have about half the number of prime years compared to most other positions.
2) I would then argue that in order to justify the pick, a RB would have to be nearly twice as good as any other prospect.
3) Like it or not, our franchise is on the slow path constructing the team through the draft, which will take many more years. An elite RB would make more as the final piece.
4) If we do draft a franchise QB next year, it will take about three or four seasons of development before he becomes the next Aaron Rodgers. By that time Richardson will be on the decline.
5) A very good RB will probably demand (at the cost of a holdout) a big contract extension before his rookie contract expires. Once the big contract kicks in, the decline almost always follows.
6) The running game has more to do with the blocking of the offensive line than the guy carrying the ball. All RB’s look the same when being gang tackled by three linebackers.
7) The NFL has become a passing league, and all of the new rules will help keep it that way. That greatly reduces the value of a RB, even an elite one.
I find it grossly inefficient to let Hillis walk and then use a #4 pick on Richardson, but what’s done is done; I fully expect them to take him at 4 and I’d rather that than Blackmon. If H&H are really serious about surrounding McCoy with weapons, I think Richardson is a bigger step towards that goal than drafting Blackmon.
That being said, does anyone else find it ironic that we’re talking about drafting Richardson at 4, on a day when Marion Barber (a similarly physical runner) is retiring after seven years in the league? Some would argue Barber’s career couldn’ve been much longer but for a running style that simply wore him down. Just food for thought..
Also, Cribbs is a veteran. Garcon has only one more year in the NFL than MoMass (and they have about the same number of NFL games played at WR).
If any kid could it, I’d bank on a two-time Biletnikoff winner.
Yep. We’re definitely on the same page and line.
hill has certainly the most upside, but inconsistency, drops and sharp route are an issue with him… oh wait this is the browns we’re talking about! allright he fits the mold then!
I’m a big fan of trading down between 12-16 and taking Richardson. I do NOT want to see Richardson playing for the Bengals. They would certainly select him at 17. Of course, my opinion of a trade down like that would depend on what we got. I’d be a big fan of receiving and extra 2nd rounder plus next years first rounder from and of the teams past 10.
Ya, but blowing out tendons in your knee is a lot different than say, getting a scope done to clear out extra bone cartillage.
Im sorry not at #4 Maybe #6 or later but not 4.Im convinced that if we stay at 4 it will be Claiborne.But we all heard what Holmgren said about trying to talk Heckertt out of trading down so who knows.
I see your Gary Owen and raise you a Vindictive Pat.
I think you have to look more into something other than he is just a good player. Alabama had a great offensive line against college defensive lines. Nick Saban is a great coach and knows hot to run formations and schemes that maximize the running back position. The question isn’t if Trent Richardson is a work horse and a great running back. Of course he is a solid player. This is about building a team that is strong in the trenches to give any running back a chance to do well. If we got RG3 we could afford to have the line break down a little and rely on his athleticism to create. If we don’t get one solid offensive guard and a right tackle I don’t care who you put back there unless it is Barry Sanders they will not have success. We need to do what the Cowboys did in the 90’s and that is have a great offensive line across the board because we can do this and have the fundamentals of having a great team for longer than a lucky year. If we take 2 guards and one tackle with 3 out of our first 4 picks we have the ability to run the ball and have depth to build on something. We need a DB with one of our first 2 picks because the league is so pass happy. Trade down and get an extra pick in the first 3 rounds and use this pick to draft a running back. Take a QB in round 5 or 6 and try to trade down and maybe get even an extra pick in round 3 or 4 to take a receiver. We have 6 picks in the first 4 rounds so if we can trade down and get 1 or 2 more picks spend those on either QB,RB, Or WR. Sign a veteran receiver to help Colt McCoy with a guy that can actually run routes. Teh key is if we can trade out of our 1st pick again it opens up the world to us. Spend one year going crazy on the o-line and then the next thing you know some of these skill players might play better. The one thing we need with getting that extra pick is a fast receiver to open the field up. Sign Cedric Benson to 1 year contract and then take Isiah Pead or Lamichael Jmaes for your running back to give you Darren Sproles type player.
i like the the idea of trent richardson to cleveland especially considdering having colt MCcoy there and then possibly having richardson would be a great combonation
I agree with this statement 100%… Wait till we field an average team to secure a top RB. Assuming one drops to mid 1st rd. or get a free agent.
I agree with everything you said about the OL.Id be happy to get two out of the three this year but i dont see us getting all three.I think we’ll be lucky to get one of the three to be honest.This front office doesnt seem to put much emphasis on the offensive line.If there was some how we could get Cordy Glenn and Martin from stanford or even adams i would be very happy.
Agreed. After McFadden and Stewart in 2008, 1st round RBs have not lived up to their perceived potential. Adrian Peterson was drafted at #7, so getting Richardson at #4 would be a REACH REACH REACH! No way Heckert reaches like that for this guy. I think he’ll go late 1st round.
I think Richardson would be good at the 22nd slot… No way he is worth a 4 in today’s NFL. Claiborne, Blackmon or even Tannehill make more sense.
All I see is a guy missing huge holes and running into a pile. Montario can do that too.
The Browns should fix the WR position with the first two picks, fix the O line with the next two. Get RB late if you really need one but RB by committee works just fine, especially with a good O Line. If Colt still sucks, go full Ditka for a QB next year. 2 more drafts and we will be highly competitive.
Watching that clip after reading the article was a disappointment. What I saw … a workhouse RB behind an exceptional OL, Average speed, above average balance average quickness above average power and hands and BELOW AVERAGE PASS BLOCKING. Nfl linebackers would just hurdle right over those little dive blocks. Ray Rice played on a team ,Rutgers, That was good because of him. Alabama is an exceptional team with or without TR. Same type of back, so the Clowns would be stupid to take a guy off of surgery that high. 22 yes just say no to 4.
What good is speed when a QB is running for his life or doesn’t have the arm strength to utilize the speed of a WR?
Wilson looks like much the same as TR. Much better speed though which this team sorely needs. A much better pick in the 3rd than TR @#4
I would have to say that saving jobs in Berea would definitely be a drawback to us fans that want a winner.
Don’t forget Hardesty can also drop wide open passes on third and short as well, he’s a versatile 3-dud back.
You gotta remember he played in the national championship with the knee injury…So he almost ran for 100 against the best D in the country, not at 100 %. I dont think this kid is gonna sit out with strep throat.
Honestly, I think the Browns will get revenge on St. Louis in the draft. For the whole #2 pick for RG3. They will act like they will take Blackmon, who St. Louis is desperate for, and force them to trade picks, hopefully a fair amount, to move up to #4 to take him. Browns drop back and take the CB from LSU or Richardson.
late to the game here, but the Penn State footage convinces me he’s not #4 overall material. I see a strong, powerful runner, certainly a legit NFL back, but little elusiveness, more of a tackle breaker than a consistent home run threat. At that draft slot, the back better be the guy who might bust one anytime by making guys miss and exploding into the secondary. A back without that ability will be available at #22 ot later.
I agree, he is no AP. I see another 3.3 avg carry. Take Blackmon or Claiborne. Blackmon can be used as trade bait, but Claiborne can be used to make our defense shut down. Honestly, even though he went soft on us, we need a bruising back like Hillis. Someone who can wear a defense down.
I am not sure what video you guys were watching. I did not see him running behind a dominant offensive line. I saw him consistently getting hit in the backfield, breaking tackles, and getting positive yardage. He is powerful, has great balance, and can break tackles. He does not appear elusive or to possess elite speed.
In the Wilson vs Clemson video, I saw him running through gaping holes in wide open spaces. Elite speed, but hard to judge.
I am not sold on either blackmon or Richardson at 4. People keep talking about finding running backs later in the draft, the same can be true for receivers.
How did Braylon work out for us? He was clearly more physically gifted than Blackmon.
I want Coples at 4, but that won’t happen after the Frosty signing.
i think they will send a player or 2 elswhere (seattle) AND MOVE DOWN again to get better on o line